score:5
"Priority boarding and detraining" sounds like a small benefit -- it is anything, but. At least when going north into Vancouver, BC. You will be lining up for border/customs outside and if the line is long enough, then on the platform, under open sky as well (there's an awning but only so many people fit under that). So "priority detraining" in this direction is a massive benefit as it includes priority through the border. If you add "Fewer passengers in each car" compounded by the fact that not only there are fewer seats in the first place, even fewer will be occupied because people don't realize what I just described. So your chances of just hopping off the train and walking right up to the border official without much waiting is pretty good.
Going south I haven't been able to see any reason to waste money on a business ticket, though.
Upvote:6
Business class may offer better earning in Amtrak rewards; I am unfamiliar with the details of that scheme as it is not available to non-Americans.